The Rhode Island Brain and Spine Tumor Foundation (RIBSTF) was established in February of 2008, due to a rise of concern that Rhode Island patients and their families receive too little support when facing the daunting task of navigating the news of a potential brain or spine tumor of themselves or a loved one. We asked some questions to find out all of the ways the RIBSTF is helping Rhode Island families.
Q. What is the main objective of the RIBSTF?
A. The RIBSTF’s mission is to increase brain and spine tumor awareness and to provide support to patients, families, and providers through education and research.
Q. How does the foundation go about achieving these goals?
A. The RIBSTF hosts a monthly complimentary support group in Providence led by a licensed clinical social worker. We provide information and support for brain and spine tumor patients, their caregivers and their loved ones in a relaxed setting and on occasion we may have a guest speaker who may be able to provide helpful information and discuss topics such as estate planning, or a new treatment.
We host a complimentary “Ask the Experts” event, where several physicians, specialists, and professionals gather and provide information to patients loved ones and caregivers concerning brain and spine tumors. Our experts are professionals and specialists representing a comprehensive care team a patient would encounter during treatment for this diagnosis.
Lastly, RIBSTF hosts various fundraisers throughout the year. Our signature fundraisers are Brainstorming for a Cause and the Faces of Hope Gala-Raising Brain & Spine Tumor Awareness. All proceeds support our foundation and raise money for the Scott Wang Patient Assistance Fund and the Caroline Caprio Giving Fund.
Q. How do small businesses help assist RIBSTF?
A. Small local businesses help us raise awareness. Many small businesses have been extremely generous in assisting us by providing donations for our fundraisers and giving us discounts for items such as printing materials. We would like to continue engaging our small local businesses as well as the local larger businesses to help us raise awareness.
Q. What are the goals for the foundation moving forward?
A. Our goal is to continue to grow our foundation and to speak to our mission. RIBSTF wishes to help local patients who have been diagnosed with a brain or spine tumor. We are preparing to launch our Dr. Scott Wang Patient Assistance Fund this year and continue to work on developing the Caroline Caprio Giving Fund.
Q. With over 10 years of service what has the impact of RIBSTF been on the Rhode Island community?
A. RIBSTF is proud to be able to help those who have been diagnosed and be able to assist patients financially and emotionally. As the foundation grows, we are able to raise more awareness and provide resources to help patients cope with their diagnosis.
If you or someone you know is interested in the services of RISBTF please contact them by calling (401) 272-4177 or visiting www.ribstf.org.
